QoS Performance Evaluation of a WLAN Mesh versus a WIMAX Network for an Isolated Village Scenario

Author(s):

  • Lúcio S. Ferreira, Instituto Superior Técnico - Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal & Instituto de Telecomunicações, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Luísa Caeiro, Instituto Superior Técnico - Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal; Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Portugal & Instituto de Telecomunicações, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Manuel Ferreira, Instituto Superior Técnico - Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal; Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Portugal & Instituto de Telecomunicações, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Mário Serafim Nunes Instituto Superior Técnico - Technical University of Lisbon & INESC-ID, Lisbon, Portugal

Source: In proceedings of EuroFGI Workshop on IP QoS and Traffic Control, December 2007

Citation:

Keywords: Services, QoS, Wireless, WIMAX, WLAN, Mesh.

Abstract:

A comparative QoS performance analysis is presented of two solutions for the provision of services to an isolated village equipped with a single Internet gateway and without any fixed telecommunications infrastructure. One solution proposes the coverage of users with a Wireless Mesh Network of WLAN Access Points, and another with a single WIMAX Base Station. Is evaluated the impact in QoS of the increase of number of users. It is concluded, by theoretical analysis and simulation, that the WMN scenario supports up to 54 users (using only voice) or 18 users (using simultaneously voice and FTP services). WIMAX supports up to 551 users. The IEEE 802.11 based WMN solution is a simple and cheap technology still attractive for small isolated villages. WIMAX permits a larger number of simultaneous users, but is a highly complex and still expensive solution. This solution might be appropriate for larger villages with a high density of users.

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